Mercedes considering A-Class based compact roadster

The compact Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class are under consideration for the North American market. According to AutoWeek, Daimler’s CEO Dieter Zetsche is also considering a proposal for a two-seat roadster based on the two compact models.

The new compact front-wheel-drive roadster will be based on the Vision SLA concept that we saw at the 2000 Detroit Auto Show. The move comes as Volkswagen plans to reveal a new mid-engine roadster concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next month and as BMW hints at a 1-Series based roadster known as the Z2.

There is no word yes on whether...
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DaHarder - 12/7/2008 3:03:59 AM

+4 Boost

"The new compact front-wheel-drive roadster will be based on the Vision SLA concept that we saw at the 2000 Detroit Auto Show"

There are things fundamentally wrong with the aforementioned:

1. A FWD Mercedes Roadster might not fare very well in the U.S., argublay their most profitable/important market.

2. It's difficult to fathom Mercedes basing any future vehicle on a concept first shown over 8 years ago.

We'll See...

Bill - 12/7/2008 5:05:12 AM

-3 Boost

Actually the FWD-argument is totally irrelevant in the United States for the most part.

Survey some C-Class Sportcoupe or even C-Class owners about their Mercedes whether or not it is FWD or RWD - they'll most likely respond with "I don't know (what you're talking about)." At least some of them. You'll more or less get similar responses from some entry-level BMW, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti etc. owners. These people aren't too concerned about how the car drives, they want whatever the car offers.

Boosteroo - 12/7/2008 12:06:55 PM

+2 Boost

Bill,
I think you're argument's pretty weak because of the fact that if MB puts out a FWD car in the states, the automotive press will have a field day writing about how they're going too far down-maket for a luxury brand.

Agent63 - 12/7/2008 8:29:47 PM

+4 Boost

Outsourcing? lmao. You are officially a troll buddy.

KoruKinshi - 12/9/2008 9:26:12 PM

+1 Boost

I don't care what any of the nay-sayers have to say...

When I first saw the SLA roadster prototype, I was all for it. I put a deposit down to buy the car when it started production. I was very disappointed when they canceled it. If they do decide to bring it back, I will pick it up in a heartbeat. I was especially pleased with the 5-speed metal grate style manual transmission.

I'd be proud to own an SLA and cruise down PCH w/it. It'd be similar to cruising down in a classic 190 SL, only this would likely be a new classic.